Pier 1 seeking replacement for top marketing exec

Pier 1, the struggling home decor retailer, announced it has terminated its top marketing executive and is seeking a replacement.

Phil Schneider, formerly executive vp-marketing for the company, was let go earlier this month, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Schneider had been with Pier 1 since 1986, when he was hired as director of advertising. He oversaw the company’s popular television ad campaign featuring actress Kirstie Alley.

Pier 1 has seen its sales and earnings decline heavily in the past two years, with several consecutive quarters of losses and an announcement by newly hired CEO Alex Smith that the company would cease airing television commercials in favor of Internet advertising and direct mail.